29.12.16

A while ago, I had about £10 worth of points at a certain department store's beauty section that were about to expire, so I set out to find something nice to spend them on, and I found a Burt's Bees skincare set which included the Coconut Foot Cream. Even though I'm a big skincare fan, I tend to neglect the skin on my body and just focus on my face so getting said Burt's Bees set made sense.

The Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Cream combines coconut oil, lanolin and glycerin to "revive and rejuvenate dry feet" and can be used daily or as an overnight foot treatment. What I noticed upon using this product for the first time is that it has a nice coconut smell and feels quite oily, so it takes a while to absorb, but I definitely saw that it leaves skin feeling softer the following day. If you fancy treating yourself to a new foot cream with natural ingredients, then I would recommend you try it.

27.12.16

I've been into mascara lately, and this is one that I never got around to writing about for some reason. I won the L'Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Mascara in a giveaway some time ago, along with some other men skincare items.

This mascara claims to separate lashes for a fanned out effect thanks to its millionizer brush. The excess wiper removes excess mascara to avoid clumps and the ultra flexible applicator with short and long bristles coats lashes evenly from root to tip.

I normally go for bristle brushes, instead of the rubber ones as I find they can cause clumps, but surprisingly this one doesn't, it applies the product nicely without clumping and holds a curl, which is great for my short and straight lashes. Plus it doesn't flake or smudge on my oily skin and resists through rain and watery eyes. In summary, a good all rounder mascara that lasts, doesn't clump or smudge, so definitely recommended.

22.12.16

It's Christmas on Sunday! Can't wait for Dot to open his gifts, I hope he likes them. I always get too excited and give him clues to what he's got but I've been good this year and so far no clues haha.

This dress I got a few years ago and didn't really wear it much as it is 3/4 sleeve and I don't feel very comfortable wearing it because of that, but I realised I could layer it and it looks and feels better that way.

I also got the cutest bralette and brief set (sold separately) from H&M. And last but not least, I won a couple of Tony & Guy label m products: the Dry Shampoo and the Texturising Spray, found the John Frieda full repair style creator in poundland so couldn't pass it up.

Didn't really get a lot last month, but maybe I'll find something great in the sales ;D

17.12.16

Party season is here, and with that the opportunity to dress up and wear some nice garments. At StyleWe they have a wide range of dresses so you are bound to find one that suits your taste and the occasion. These are a few of my favourites from their Petite Maxi Dresses line:

The dress on the left is a gorgeous emerald colour and has a Grecian vibe to it with its deep v-neck line and loose sleeves. It defines the waist by using a sash in the same fabric as the dress to make your waist stand out. The dress on the right is a bit more casual, still a maxi dress but in a more sheer fabric, this dress features a print all over that gives it a more bohemian feel. It also has an asymetric hem line, a lace framed v-neck, long sleeves to keep you warm this season and an elasticated waist to define your figure.

Last but not least is another more occasion dress, this time in a turquoise shade, it features a wrap design on the front with a deep v neck and thin straps to frame the shoulders delicately. Again it defines your waist with a sash in the same fabric so you don't lose your shape under the floor length dress.

15.12.16

A few weeks ago Zaful.com contacted me to collaborate with them so I chose a couple of products to try out and review (one is still to be delivered). The items I have received so far are:

Textured Leather Metal Chain Tote Bag which I picked because I wanted a new bag for work, the backpack I was using was all floppy and stuff was very difficult to find inside it because of its black lining. This bag has a light lining and lots of inside compartments as you can see (including a zip pocket outside on the back of the bag) which is very practical to keep all your things in a specific place. The panel on the front is made out of real leather and I like that you have the option of carrying it on your arm, shoulder or across your body. Also like the gunmetal colour and the chrome effect of the hardware. The only thing I don't love about it is that there was a weird smell inside it, Dot said it was glue, and I think it's fading now but it's not very nice haha.

I also got the Merry Christmas Sweater, which is very season appropriate and funny if you have ever watched Home Alone (who hasn't?). It features the phrase Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animal with some snowflakes, reindeers and pine trees for decoration. It is not very thick and it's made from acrylic, which I would normally avoid but I just couldn't resist this time. The sweater is a one size fits all but it's very oversized so it can be worn with leggings. The material was a bit stiff and it smelt of acrylic so I washed it and used softener and now it smells fresh and it's softer, ready to wear tomorrow as it is xmas jumper day at work. I will also be wearing it on Christmas Day and probably Boxing Day as well.

13.12.16

On Friday we went to see Richard Aschroft at the O2 in London. The only downside of having a job in retail is that I had to go to work the next day, not until 11 but still. I felt a bit tired but as soon as the concert began I didn't feel like I was going to fall asleep any second ha.

Don't really know many of his songs, but I do know that he was in The Verve and I know their song Bittersweet Symphony, which was the closing up song, complete with a live orchestra and air cannons blowing out lots of fake £20 notes in the air with the face of Richard Ashcroft on them. He also got off the stage during that song to have the crowd sing into his microphone (he walked right in front of me!). So even though I only really knew Bittersweet Symphony, I had a very good time and really enjoyed that last song.

8.12.16

Last week Dot took a day off work to take me out shopping to Bluewater (exhibit A) ♥

On other news, I am nearly 5 full weeks into my xmas job, meaning I have just over 3 weeks left, just when I was starting to like it ha! But I said to myself that my next job is going to be the best ever, so it's gonna be even better than this one (better start looking then).

6.12.16

After I ran out of my shampoo, I went on to finish up the L'Occitane shampoo and conditioner samples I had, which lasted surprisingly long. Right before I ran out of them I had to get a new shampoo, and thought The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Shampoo might be a similar product to the L'occitane ones I had been using.

The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Shampoo claims to restore moisture in your hair, helping you achieve a smooth and shiny finish that doesn't weigh hair down. It is ideal for dry hair and contains community trade honey from Ethiopia and organic sugarcane from Paraguay, as well as pracaxi and manketti nut oils. The formula doesn't have parabens, silicones, sulphates nor colorants.

The scent The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Shampoo features is slightly sweet, and it has a medium thick consistency and colour similar to honey. To use it is recommended you pour some onto your hand then lather up before massaging on the hair. As I rinse the product off, my hair feels quite soft though the only thing I don't love about it is that it needs a couple of applications to thoroughly cleanse the scalp, but other than that it's fine.

Been kinda busy, working even on weekends (I do have 2 days off a week) but I haven't been off on a Saturday which is when Dot and I like to go out shopping :'( He said he might get a day off when I'm off so we can go out together ♥

On other news, I discovered the reason I was underpaid this month was that I was on the wrong tax code, but it should be all fixed now and hopefully I'll be refunded my money next month yay!

24.11.16

So it's that time of the year once again where many shops have mega sales at just the right moment so you can buy all your Christmas presents with great discounts, and here are my favourite deals I've found:

22.11.16

Didn't get many things last month, waiting for the sales and stuff *wink, wink* But I did get stuff that I really needed, such as long sleeve cotton T-shirts from Primark to wear under jumpers, a new Maybelline eyeliner, a notebook from The Works (which maybe I didn't really actually need, but I love stationery).

19.11.16

Hello everyone, today I would like to invite you to enter my giveaway where you can win one of 10 $100 Gift Cards so you can do your own Zaful haul - just in time for Christmas! With their great prices and free delivery on orders over $30, you can be sure that your gift card will go a long way.

2. Click on the picture above and leave a comment with a link to your favourite product.

And that's it!

To increase your chances of winning, leave your email in your comment as well. Ten winners will be chosen at random to receive a $100 gift card redeemable on Zaful.com. The giveaway closes on 30 November.

17.11.16

Been kinda busy these past couple of weeks, working to save up and also treat myself and Dot this Christmas haha. Don't know if I've said this before but I love how this skirt can be worn in the summer and winter, just layering tights and knitwear under it and it looks cute and cosy. Oh and stay tuned for a giveaway this weekend (;

15.11.16

Recently I was offered some credit to choose items from Dresslily, and I went for a couple of accessories: a fun hand bag and a very classic watch.

The crossbody bag is a dupe for the Skinnydip branded bag, which has the shape of a giant cup drink - straw included. It is covered in pink glitter all over and features a rainbow print claiming to content unicorn tears inside. The bag has a long gold chain handle and a zip closure. It is definitely very unique and adds a touch of fun to an otherwise plain outfit.

The other item that I ordered is a watch by the brand Longbo, it features a black textured leather band with gold hardware, and is said to be gold plated so it adds a little bit of luxury to a classic outfit. I had never heard of this brand before and when buckled on my wrist the fit is somewhat loose but that is to be expected as I have very tiny wrists haha.

Because the items are sent from China, they do take a bit of time to arrive however they offer free delivery, low prices and lots of discounts, so can't complain about that.

10.11.16

New flannel shirt alert! I liked it since I saw it on the H&M website last year (yep, you read that right) but never tried it on or bought it and this year they brought it back so I couldn't not buy it.

About a year ago I started shopping more "mindfully" so no more buying random stuff just because it is on sale, but waiting to find the perfect pieces that I love and know will keep wearing for years.

I started a new job this week, it is only part time but since I'm on my feet all the time I end up so tired! At least it will give my personal economy a boost to treat myself and Dot this Christmas ;)

8.11.16

As a gift with purchase with a magazine that I got ages ago, came the Malin + Goetz Skincare Essentials Set in sample sizes, which I have been using as of late and really enjoying.

The Malin + Goetz Skincare Essentials Set includes the Grapefruit Face Cleanser, which is meant to purify and hydrate the skin without drying, stripping or irritating it. What I like about this cleanser is that it thoroughly cleanses my skin very easily and removes all the natural oils that my face loves to produce haha. The only thing I don't like about this product is the metallic smell.

The set also includes the Vitamin E Face Moisturiser, which claims to be residue free, and to gently and effectively hydrate and balance the ph of skin without blocking pores thanks to the use of chamomile, allantoin and milk. This product doesn't have the not very favourable smell of the cleanser, which is great. It is very moisturising, easily absorbed and leaves my skin soft.

Last but not least, the set also includes the Lip Moisturiser: a hydrating gel that provides lips with hydration to prevent dryness and chapped lips. This lip balm can be a bit rich as the consistency is almost that of petroleum jelly but not as heavy. It immediately soothes the lips and leaves them with a bit of shine and the moisturising effects last for hours.

Malin + Goetz seems like a really good skincare brand that caters for different skin needs and types, I quite like using these products and even though they are a bit pricey, would recommend them.

3.11.16

It's been an intense week, but it seems to be getting a bit better after a series of unfortunate events that made me break down yesterday haha. It looks like I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel yay. On Monday I start my new job, I'm not quite sure what to expect other than I hope I like it.

1.11.16

After finishing my last facial scrub, which I believe was the now discontinued St Ives Microdermabrasion scrub, I went for the Botanics All Bright Purifying Face Scrub as it is an affordable brand with natural ingredients.

The Botanics All Bright Purifying Face Scrub contains crushed apricot seeds and walnut shell to buff away flaky skin and impurities. It also contains brightening hibiscus, as well as almond oil, shea and cocoa butters for soft skin.

The texture of this scrub is a bit runny compared to other brands I have used, so be careful when getting the product out to avoid using too much. On the other side, the lotion-like consistency will be helpful when trying to get out the last bit of product out of the package.

When using I apply it to my skin and gently massage my face, then leave the scrub as a mask for a few minutes so it further moisturises my skin. Am not quite sure it is brightening but it definitely does a good job at getting rid of dead skin, leaving it very smooth, super soft and moisturised thanks to the natural oils and butters it contains.

I think it would be a great choice for sensitive and dry skin, or for when the weather gets colder but you still need to gently polish your skin.

27.10.16

Grey coat on a grey jumper on a grey dress. One of my favourite colours - the other one is dusty pink. When I was in high school I wouldn't be caught dead wearing pink and always wore black. Now I got a new temporary job (with the possibility of getting my contract extended) I will be needing to wear all black as part of my uniform, thing is I don't own as many black pieces anymore (!) and my wardrobe consists mainly of grey and pink - say what? Gives me an excuse to go shopping, I guess.